Cleanable conveyor frame assembly including snap-on components

ABSTRACT

A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/931,066, filed Jan. 24, 2014 and entitled “CleanableConveyor Frame Assembly Including Snap-On Components”, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. The present applicationrelates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/061,346, filedOct. 8, 2014, entitled “Snap-On Position Limiter for a Conveyor Belt”and its subsequent US non-provisional application, filed Jan. 22, 2015(Attorney Docket Number 2605A), the contents of which are also hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to frames for power-driven conveyors andmore particularly to belt conveyor frames that are easy to clean.

In the meat, poultry, fruit, and vegetable industries, conveyor beltsare used to transport food products. Most conveyor belts are supportedalong carryways supported by a frame assembly. To meet USDA sanitationrequirements, conveyor belt systems must be cleanable. The conveyorcarryway and frame are particularly susceptible to the accumulation offats, dirt, and debris. Complex connections between differentcomponents, a large number of components in the frame and carryway,difficult-to-clean crevices and other issues make cleaning conveyor beltsystems problematic at times. In addition, current conveyor systems aredifficult to assemble and disassemble to replace and—or cleancomponents.

Thus, there is a need for an easy-to-clean, hygienic conveyor beltsystem.

SUMMARY

This need and other needs are addressed by a conveyor system embodyingfeatures of the invention. The conveyor system includes a frame havingone or more toolbars comprising a shaft with a channel. Snap-onauxiliary components are incorporated into the conveyor by locking ontoa toolbar with a snap clamp having a protrusion that engages thechannel.

According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor frame comprises afirst longitudinally-extending toolbar extending from a first end to asecond end, a plurality of brackets connected to the firstlongitudinally-extending toolbar, support structure for the toolbar andan auxiliary component mounted to the first longitudinally-extendingtoolbar using a snap clamp.

According to another aspect of the invention, a conveyor frame comprisesa first toolbar comprising a shaft and a channel extendinglongitudinally along at least a portion of the shaft perimeter, and anauxiliary component mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp. The snapclamp comprising a collar having an inner surface, a first tip and asecond tip, the second tip including a protrusion configured to matewith the channel.

According to another aspect, a snap clamp for mounting a component to ashaft comprises a curved body having a first leg and a second leg, thesecond leg terminating in a tapered tip and a protrusion extendinginwards from the tapered tip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These aspects and features of the invention are described in more detailin the following description, appended claims, and accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a genericized conveyor component includinga snap clamp for attaching the conveyor component to a conveyor frame;

FIG. 2 shows a conveyor frame including toolbars according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a partial isometric view of a toolbar suitable for a conveyorframe according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a toolbar according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a toolbar according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a central bracket of the frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is an isometric rear view of a drive end bracket of the frame ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is an isometric front view of the drive end bracket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a rear view of an idle end bracket from FIG. 2;

FIG. 6B is an isometric front view of the idle end bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows the frame of FIG. 2 with a sprocket and infeed shoesmounted thereon;

FIG. 8 shows the infeed shoe assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows the frame of FIG. 7 further including returnway rollers,wearstrips, and containment blocks mounted thereon;

FIG. 10 shows the frame of FIG. 9 further including an endless conveyorbelt;

FIG. 11A shows the frame of FIG. 10 further including mounted sidewalls;

FIG. 11B is a detailed view of a central portion of the frame of FIG.11A;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of an infeed shoe suitable for mounting to atoolbar in a conveyor frame according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of an edge infeed shoe suitable for mountingto a toolbar in a conveyor frame according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show another embodiment of an infeed shoe suitable formounting to a toolbar in a conveyor frame according to one embodiment ofthe invention

FIGS. 15A and 15B show another embodiment of an edge infeed shoesuitable for mounting to a toolbar in a conveyor frame according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a returnway roller assembly suitable formounting to a toolbar in a conveyor frame according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a containment block suitable for mountingto a toolbar in a conveyor frame according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a containment block suitable formounting to a toolbar in a conveyor frame according to an embodiment ofthe invention

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a wearstrip lock suitable for use in aconveyor frame according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows another wearstrip lock suitable for use in a conveyorframe;

FIGS. 21A and 21B show an end of a conveyor frame including thewearstrip locks of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C are different views of a lock-in-place splitsprocket suitable for mounting to a toolbar in a conveyor frameaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 23A and 23B show another embodiment of a lock-in-place sprocket;

FIGS. 24A and 24B show sidewall assemblies suitable for mounting to atoolbar in a conveyor frame according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 shows a conveyor including a lower side guard assembly mountedto a toolbar according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 26A and 26B show the lower side guard assemblies of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 shows a position limiter suitable for mounting to a toolbar inconveyor frame according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 28A and 28B show a portion of a conveyor frame includingwearstrips mounted to a toolbar according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 29A illustrates a conveyor frame component mounting to a toolbar ina conveyor frame;

FIG. 29B shows the component of FIG. 28A mounted onto the toolbar;

FIG. 30A shows another embodiment of a conveyor frame component mountedto a toolbar;

FIG. 30B shows the conveyor frame component of FIG. 30A mounted onto thetoolbar;

FIG. 31 shows a sprocket mounted to a conveyor frame shaft according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32 shows a pair of offset sprockets mounted to a conveyor shaft;

FIGS. 33A-33C show another embodiment of a mountable conveyor sprocketand conveyor frame shaft;

FIG. 34 shows another embodiment of a conveyor component mounted to ashaft through an opening in the shaft;

FIG. 35 shows another embodiment of a conveyor component mounted to ashaft using magnets;

FIG. 36 shows an embodiment of a conveyor sprocket and shaft mounted toa conveyor shaft;

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of a position limiter and shaft mounted to aconveyor frame component;

FIG. 38 shows a conveyor frame with sanitary wheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A sanitary conveyor comprises a frame and a plurality of auxiliarycomponents that may be removably mounted to the frame to allow easycleaning and reconfiguration of the conveyor. The auxiliary componentsmay be installed, retained and removed from the frame without the use oftools, or with minimal use of tools. Embodiments of the invention employa snap clamp having an anchor, such as a protrusion that engages achannel in a shaft of the conveyor, referred to as a toolbar. A body ofthe snap clamp mates with the body of the shaft. Optionally, an axialtab engages a notch or other seat in the shaft of the toolbar. Therelaxed body of the snap clamp may be different than the shaft, butstretched or compressed to match the shaft and lock into place. The snapclamp may be used to interchangeably mount components to the shaft whilelocking the components axially and-or radially relative to the shaftduring operation. The lock-in place design of the auxiliary componentsenables assembly on a shaft without fasteners or other tools. Theinvention will be described below relative to certain illustrativeembodiments, though the invention is not limited to the illustrativeembodiments.

FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a generalized conveyor component 2including a snap clamp for attaching the conveyor component to aconveyor frame. The conveyor component 2 includes a functional portion 3for performing some function in a conveying system and a snap clamp 4for integrating the conveyor component into a conveyor frame. Thesnap-clamp 4 comprises a body 5 including legs 6, 7. The illustrativebody 5 is semi-annular and designed to engage a shaft, such as atoolbar, on a conveyor frame. The resting shape of the body 5, can bedifferent from toolbar shape and is flexible to allow stretching orcompression to snap the snap clamp into place on a corresponding shaft.The first leg 6 terminates in a flat end surface while the second leg 7terminates in a barbed tip 8 for anchoring the snap clamp. The barbedtip 8 engages a channel or other feature on a toolbar. A tab 9 extendsbetween the radially inner surface of the clamp and the barbed tip 8.The tab 9 matches a recess on a corresponding shaft, as described below.

The stiffness and tension of the snap clamp 4 may be varied depending onthe material used, thickness of the legs, degree of wrap of the grippingelement and other factors that may be varied.

As described below, the functional portion of the conveyor component mayhave any suitable size, shape and configuration suitable for performinga selected task. In addition, novel snap clamp design may be employed tomount any type of component to a shaft, not limited to conveyorcomponents.

Referring to FIGS. 2-10B, a sanitary conveyor 11 of one embodiment ofthe invention includes a frame base, a plurality of toolbars 10,including a pair of spaced-apart parallel toolbars forming each side ofthe frame, and a plurality of lock-in-place auxiliary components mountedto the toolbars or frame components.

The frame minimizes components through simplification and integration toenhance cleanability while ensuring sufficient strength.

The frame base may comprise laser-cut, machined, molded orotherwise-formed components, and include legs 15, longitudinal supportrails 16, lateral support rails 17, transverse support beams 18 andvertical connecting beams 19, which may be integral with one or morebrackets. The base is simple and comprises minimal parts. Theconfiguration of the base may be varied depending on the particularapplication and is not limited to the embodiment shown here. Componentsof the frame base can be suspended, cantilevered or otherwiseconfigured.

The illustrative conveyor frame includes a pair of parallel, spacedapart toolbars 10 a, 10 b extending from a first end of the conveyor tothe second end of the conveyor. Alternatively, a single toolbar or morethan two toolbars may be used. Instead of spanning the length of theconveyor, the conveyor may include several smaller toolbars extendingalong a side of the conveyor. Brackets 20, 30 and 40 extend between andconnect the toolbars 10 a, 10 b. The brackets 20, 30 and 40 includeupper recesses for receiving a wearstrip, as described below. Thetoolbars 10 a, 10 b may be inserted into recesses on the brackets andretained through any suitable means.

As shown in FIG. 3A, each toolbar 10 comprises solid or hollow shaft,which may be stainless steel or another suitable material, having around or D-shaped cross-section. The toolbar 10 includes a longitudinalchannel 12 for anchoring an auxiliary component thereto. Theillustrative channel 12 is continuous along the length of the toolbarshaft, though the invention is not so limited. The longitudinal channel12 engages a protrusion of the auxiliary component, such as the barbedtip 8 of the component 2 of FIG. 1, to prevent rotation of the auxiliarycomponent about the shaft once mounted to the shaft. The toolbar mayalso include axial notches 13 for engaging tabs on the auxiliarycomponents, such as tab 9 of the component 2 of FIG. 1, to preventsliding of an auxiliary component once mounted to the shaft.

The toolbar 10 may have multiple channels 12 in different locations onthe perimeter of the shaft. For example, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectionalview of another embodiment of a toolbar 10′ suitable for engaging a snapclamp connected to a component to mount the component onto the toolbar.The toolbar 10′ comprises a rounded top portion 211, a flat bottomsurface 213 and channels 212 at the intersection of the rounded topportion 211 and flat bottom surface 213. The channels have a paraboliccross-section, thought the invention is not so limited.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a toolbar 10″suitable for engaging a snap a snap clamp. The toolbar 10″ issubstantially round, with mirror-image channels 212″. The illustrativechannels 212″ are formed in the lower sides of the toolbar 10″, forexample, between about 90 degrees and about 170 degrees from the top215. The channels may have any suitable configuration and size suitablefor engaging a protrusion on a corresponding snap clamp.

A toolbar need not extend along the entire length of the conveyor. Forexample, alternatively, the toolbar may comprise one or more nubs havinga longitudinal channel for locking the auxiliary components. The nub mayextend from or attach to a bracket or another component of the frame.Additional toolbars may be included for mounting auxiliary components inother locations on the conveyor. For example, transverse toolbars may beprovided at the idle end for mounting infeed shoes and-or othercomponents, at the drive end for mounting a sprocket, position limiterand-or other components, or at an intermediate location along the lengthof the conveyor.

In the illustrative embodiment, central brackets 20 extend laterallybetween the two toolbars 10 a, 10 b in the center of the frame 11. FIG.4 shows an embodiment of a central bracket 20. The central bracketcomprises a plate having upper recesses 22 for receiving a wearstrip.The illustrative upper recesses 22 include rounded clean-out chambers,though the invention is not so limited. The upper recesses may engage awearstrip through any suitable means, including, but not limited to,friction fit, locking engagement or other suitable coupling means. Thecentral bracket further includes side recesses 24 for receiving atoolbar 10. The toolbar may be snap fit in the associated side recess24, or coupled to the bracket through any suitable means.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a drive end bracket 30, disposed at thedrive end of the conveyor 2 may includes upper recesses 32 for engaginga wearstrip. The drive end bracket 30 further includes side plates 31having slots 34 for mounting a drive sprocket. The illustrative sideplates 31 further include a limiter assembly slot 36 for mounting aposition limiter assembly and windows 38 for locking a position limiterassembly in place, though the invention is not so limited. The toolbars10 a, 10 b attach to the outer sides of the side plates 31 through anysuitable means.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the idle end bracket 40, disposed at theidle end of the conveyor 2, includes upper recesses 42 and side plates41. The side plates include slots 44 for receiving mounting tabs on aninfeed shoe assembly shaft, as described below. The toolbars 10 a, 10 battach to the outer sides of the side plates 31 through any suitablemeans.

The brackets may have any suitable shape not limited to the illustrativeembodiment. The brackets may be designed to mount on a central shaft,rather than interface with side toolbars. The brackets may also havecurved upper edges to trough the conveyor belt.

Various auxiliary conveyor components may be attached to and removedfrom the conveyor frame using a snap-fit connection. Examples ofauxiliary conveyor components include, but are not limited to,sprockets, infeed shoes, outfeed shoes, wearstrips, wearstrip locks,returnway rollers, side walls, containment blocks, position limiters,side guards, scraper assemblies and any other component that performs aselect function in a conveyor.

As shown in FIG. 7, a drive sprocket 50 may be mounted to the drive endbracket 30 and an infeed shoe assembly 60 may be mounted to the idle endbracket 40. The illustrative drive sprocket assembly includes a positionlimiter assembly described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/931,058, filed Jan. 24, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/061,346, filed Oct. 8, 2014, both titled Snap-On Position Limiterfor a Conveyor Belt, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, though the invention is not limited to a drive sprocketassembly with a position limiter.

The drive end bracket 30 may accommodate a right-angled motor, ifdesired. The infeed shoe assembly 60, and embodiment of which is shownin FIG. 8 mounted to an idle end bracket 40, comprises a shaft, such asa toolbar 10 c, extending between the side plates 41. The illustrativetoolbar 10 c includes tabs 62 configured to fit in the slots 44 on theside plates 41. The toolbar 10 c includes a channel 12 c formed on abottom surface. Infeed shoes 64 a, 64 b, 64 c for guiding a conveyorbelt are mounted and retained on the toolbar 10 c through a snap-fitconnection, as described below. The illustrative infeed shoe assembly 60includes two edge infeed shoes 64 a, 64 c and two inner infeed shoes 64b. Other suitable means for guiding the conveyor belt may alternativelybe used.

As shown in FIG. 9, wearstrips 70 forming a support surface for aconveyor belt may be mounted in the upper recesses 22, 32, 42 of thebrackets 20, 30, 40. The wearstrips include wearstrip locks 72, 74 forsecuring the wearstrips 70 to the brackets, though other suitableattachment means may be used. In place of brackets, the wearstrips mayalternatively be mounted through other suitable means. For example, thewearstrip end may employ a snap clamp configured to mount onto atransverse toolbar, or the wearstrip may be inserted in another mountingstructure. The wearstrips can comprise several mating pieces.

Returnway roller assemblies 80 may be mounted to the toolbars 10 a, 10 bat intermittent locations along the length of the conveyor forsupporting a conveyor belt in the returnway. Containment blocks 90 mayalso be mounted to the toolbars at one or more locations, illustrated asclose to the idle end of the conveyor.

As shown in FIG. 10, the exemplary conveyor frame may support an endlessconveyor belt 4 traveling between a first end of the frame and a secondend of the frame to convey products from the first end to the second endalong a carryway. The endless conveyor belt 4 is trained around thedrive sprocket 50 and infeed shoes 64 a, 64 b, 64 b to form a carrywayover the wearstrips 70 and a returnway below. The returnway rollers inthe returnway roller assemblies 80 support the sag in the returnway. Theillustrative conveyor belt 4 is a Thermodrive® conveyor belt availablefrom Intralox, LLC of Harahan, LA, though any suitable conveyor belt maybe supported by the conveyor frame 2.

The exemplary conveyor frame supports a conveyor belt traveling betweena first end of the frame and a second end of the frame. The conveyorbelt conveys products from the first end to the second end along acarryway. The conveyor belt 40 may be trained around reversing elementsat each end of the carryway and returned along a returnway below thecarryway.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B (detailed view), additional auxiliarycomponents, such as sidewalls, may be incorporated. In the illustrativeembodiment, the side walls 101 are held in place using veritcalconnectors 110 mounted to the toolbars 10 a and 10 b. 630

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an inner infeed shoe 64 b mountableto a toolbar shaft in an infeed shoe assembly 60 at the idle end of theconveyor 2. The inner infeed shoe has a functional portion comprising anouter perimeter 65 for contacting the conveyer belt. The outer perimeter65 is in the shape of an arc extending through about 180°. A central hub66 forms a snap clamp for attaching the infeed shoe 64 b to a shaft.Spokes 67 connect the central hub to the outer perimeter 65. The centralhub forms a substantially semi-circular gripping element terminating atone end in a barbed engagement tip 68. The barbed tip forms a protrusion69 for engaging the channel 12 c on the toolbar 10 c. To mount the innerinfeed shoe 64 b on the toolbar 10 c, the central hub 66 is placedstraddling the toolbar 10 c and pushed into engagement with the toolbar10 c such that the protrusion 69 engages the channel 12 c and the innersurface of the hub 66 wraps around and abuts the toolbar outer surface.The central hub 66 may flex slightly to accommodate the toolbar 10 c.The inner surface of the hub 66 may include cleaning recesses (notshown). The engagement between the protrusion 69 and channel 12 cprevents radial movement of the infeed shoe relative to the toolbar 12c.

As shown in FIG. 13, an outer infeed shoe 64 a further includes aperipheral edge 69 in the functional portion. The peripheral edge 69extends perpendicular to the outer perimeter 65′ for guiding the edge ofa conveyor belt.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show another embodiment of an inner infeed shoe 160.The inner infeed shoe comprises a solid collar 166 forming a snap clamp.The collar forms first and second legs 162, 163. A protrusion 168extends inwards from the first leg 162. An axial tab 164 extends betweenthe inner surface of the collar and the protrusion 168 for engaging anaxial recess on the associated toolbar to which the shoe 160 is mounted.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show another embodiment of an edge infeed shoe 162,including a peripheral edge 169 extending perpendicular to the outersurface of the snap clamp collar 166′.

The infeed shoes shown in FIGS. 11-15B may be molded plastic components.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a returnway roller assembly 80mountable to the toolbars 10 a, 10 b. The returnway roller assembly 80includes a series of rollers 81 connected by axles 82 and having endtabs 83. Connectors 84 receive the end tabs at a first end 85. The firstend 85 may be a j-hook, snap clamp or other suitable receiver. A secondend of the connector 84 forms a snap clamp 86 for locking the connectorto a toolbar 10. The snap clamp 86 includes a protrusion 87 that isinsertable in a channel 12 of a toolbar 10. The axis of the lowerconnector 85 is perpendicular to the axis of the upper snap clamp 86. Abody 88 connects the upper and lower connectors 86, 85. The illustrativebody 88 includes perpendicular ribs, but the body 88 may have anysuitable configuration, such as a torsioned configuration, toaccommodate the perpendicular connectors. The body 88 may also form orconnect to a block for containing the edge of the conveyor belt in thereturnway. The illustrative connector 84 may be a molded plasticcomponent.

The upper snap clamps 86 are each mounted to a toolbar 10 a, 10 b byplacing the clamp over the toolbar and pushing the clamp into placearound the toolbar shaft, such that the protrusion engages a channel 12on the toolbar.

While the illustrative rollers 81 are solid, the rollers mayalternatively be spoked wheels, hollow rollers or another suitablestructure.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a containment block 90 that may bemounted to a toolbar 10 a or 10 b. The toolbar 90 includes an upper snapclamp 91 including a tapered tip 93 having a protrusion 92 for insertionin a channel 12 on a toolbar 10, and a functional portion, comprising alower block 95 for guiding a conveyor belt edge and a connecting body96. The containment block 90 may be a molded plastic component.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a containment block 190 including anupper snap clamp 191 having a protrusion 192 and tapered tip 193, alower block 195, a lower connector 197, which may be a j-hook, snapclamp or other suitable connector, and a middle connecting body 198between the lower block 195 and upper snap clamp 191.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a wearstrip lock 72. The illustrativemolded plastic wearstrip lock 72 is received in upper recesses in endbracket 40 and a first middle bracket 20 a. The wearstrip lock 72includes recesses 73 in side surface for engaging the upper recesses ofthe brackets. A lower leg 75 extends at an angle to the main wearstriplock body and includes a flat lower tip parallel to the main wearstriplock body for engaging a bottom recess on a bracket to secure thewearstrip lock 72 to the bracket

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a molded plastic wearstrip lock 74that interfaces with the first wearstrip lock 72. The second wearstriplock 74 has a main body with offset, parallel body portions 74 a, 74 bwith a parallel connecting portion 74 c. Side recesses 76 in the firstbody portion secure the wearstrip lock within an upper recess of abracket. A lower leg 76 engages a lower recess on a bracket to securethe wearstrip lock 74 in place. The front end 78 of the wearstrip lock74 engages a wearstrip 70, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, and the rearplanar portion 74 b overlaps and faces the body of the first wearstriplock 72.

According to one embodiment, the drive sprocket may be a lock-in-placesplit sprocket mounted to a toolbar shaft forming a drive axle. Anembodiment of a lock-in-place split sprocket 150 is shown in FIG.22A-22C. The lock-in-place place split sprocket 150 comprises twosprocket halves 150 a, 150 b that mate to form a sprocket havingperipheral teeth 151. The inner hub forms a snap clamp 152 having aprotrusion 153 configured to mate with a channel on a toolbar shaftconnected to a sprocket frame, such as the sprocket bracket 30. An axialtab 154 is received in an axial recess in the toolbar shaft. Oncemounted on the toolbar shaft, the sprockets halves are prevented fromunmating.

FIG. 23A and 23B show another embodiment of a lock-in-place splitsprocket 250 comprising two sprocket halves 250 a, 250 b that aremountable to a toolbar forming an axle. Each sprocket half 250 a, 250 bincludes peripheral teeth 251. The body of each sprocket half arcsthrough at least 180°, forming a pair of legs 252, 253. The first legincludes a tapered tip 254 including a protrusion 255. An axial tab 256extends from an inner surface of the body and the protrusion 255. Eachsprocket half 250 a, 250 b engages a separate channel on a toolbar, witheach axial tab 256 engaging an axial recess on the toolbar. When lockedside-by-side onto the toolbar, the sprocket halves 250 a, 250 b formteeth about the perimeter of the sprocket 250. Some of the teeth 251 mayalign.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show an embodiment of a side wall assembly 102 thatmay be mounted to one of the toolbars 10 a, 10 b to constrain theconveyor belt, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Each side wall 101 is amolded plastic component having a flat inner surface and an outersurface with a ridge 103. Each vertical connector 110, which may alsocomprise a molded plastic component, has an upper connector 111 forreceiving the ridge 103, a connecting body 112 and a lower snap clamp113 for mounting the connector 110 to a toolbar 10 a or 10 b. The lowersnap clamp 113 includes an arced body forming a tapered tip 114 having aprotrusion 115 for locking the snap clamp 113 into a channel 12 on thetoolbar 10 a or 10 b.

As shown in FIG. 25, the toolbars 10 a and-or 10 b may be used to attachone or more lower side guard assemblies 120 to the conveyor 2. FIGS. 26Aand 26B show the lower side guard assembles 120. Each lower side guardassembly 120 includes a wall 121, which may be molded plastic, having anupper portion that curved inwards and connectors 123 including a body124 attached to the wall 121 and an upper snap clamp 125 that curveswith the wall, and further curves inwards, terminating in a tapered tip126. The tapered tip 126 includes a protrusion 127 configured to bereceived in the channel 12 of a toolbar. The lower side guard assembly120 may be mounted to the toolbar by snapping the snap clamp around thetoolbar such that the protrusion 127 engages the channel. Optionally,axial tabs on the snap clamp 125 may engage axial recesses in thetoolbar to prevent sliding of the lower side guard assembly 120 alongthe toolbar after being mounted in place. The connectors 123 arepositioned along the wall 121 so that when mounted, the connectors arespaced from other auxiliary components, such as returnway rollerassemblies 80 and-or side wall assemblies 101 also mounted to thetoolbar.

FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of a snap-on position limiter 130 includinga snap clamp for mounting the position limiter to a toolbar locatedbelow the sprocket. The position limiter ensures proper engagementbetween the sprocket and conveyor belt. The position limiter includes afunctional portion, including an upper limiting surface 131 having aconcave portion and a convex portion, a body and a snap clamp 134 havinga curved collar for engaging the toolbar, a barbed tip 135 forming aprotrusion 136 for engaging a channel on the toolbar. The illustrativesnap clamp 134 also includes an axial tab 137 for engaging an axialnotch on the toolbar.

FIGS. 28A and 28B show a portion of a conveyor frame includingwearstrips 180 mounted to a toolbar 10 using a snap-fit connection. Eachwearstrip includes a curved end forming a snap clamp having a tab forengaging a channel on the toolbar and, optionally, a protrusion forengaging an axial recess on the channel to maintain both axial andradial position of the wearstrip180 relative to the toolbar.

FIG. 29A and 29B show an embodiment of a snap-on conveyor sprocket 200according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 29A show thesprocket 200 in a relaxed state during mounting of the sprocket 200 to atoolbar 210. The sprocket 200 includes a collar 205 having peripheralteeth 204 for driving a conveyor belt. The collar 205 also includes afirst end tab 206 that is inserted into a channel 212 a of the toolbar210 to anchor the sprocket. The collar is sized and configured tostretch over the toolbar to lock into place. When stretched, anotherchannel 212 b on the toolbar receives another end tab 207, locking thesprocket 200 in place on the toolbar 210.

As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, according to another embodiment, a snapclamp for a sprocket or other auxiliary component may be compressed tolock the component to a toolbar. For example, as shown in FIG. 30A, aresting state, a sprocket 220 has a first end tab 226 inserted in achannel 212 a of a toolbar 210 and a second end tab 227 that extendspast a second channel 212 b of the toolbar 210. After anchoring thefirst end tab 226 in the channel 212 a, the collar 225 is compressed, asshown in FIG. 30B, to seat the second end tab 227 in the second channel212 b, securing the sprocket 220 to the toolbar. While the illustrativefunctional component includes peripheral teeth 229, the auxiliarycomponent may have any configuration for performing a desired function.

FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of a snap-on sprocket 300 including asnap clamp for attaching the sprocket or another associated auxiliarycomponent to a shaft 312. The sprocket includes a disc-shaped body 313with peripheral teeth 314. The body includes an opening 316 forreceiving the shaft. The opening 316 includes protrusions 317 havingsloped faces 318 for allowing insertion of the shaft into a sprocketseat while preventing the shaft from exiting the sprocket seat. Cornersof the sprocket seat may include cut outs 319 to provide flex reliefthat allow flexing of the opening with less stress on the sprocketmaterial. In one embodiment, the sprocket seat includes a tool cut out321 out to allow insertion of a tool for assisted removal of thesprocket from the shaft. The shaped opening 316 allows for a snap-oninterference fit between the sprocket and shaft that is relatively easyto assemble, yet more difficult to disassemble.

As shown in FIG. 32, multiple sprockets 300 may be mounted adjacent toand offset radially from each other to provide a full perimeter of teethfor driving a belt. The illustrative sprockets are offset 180° so thatthe openings 316 are opposite each other, though the invention is not solimited.

FIGS. 33A-33C show another embodiment of a snap-on sprocket 400. Thesnap-on sprocket 400 includes a disc-shaped body 413 with peripheralteeth 414. The body 413 includes an opening 416 terminating in a shaftseat for receiving a shaft 412 having a cam protrusion extendingtherefrom. The opening 416 expands to form a wedge-shaped recess 417.After the shaft 412 passes through the opening 416 to the shaft seat, asshown in FIG. 33A the sprocket is rotated, as shown in FIG. 33B to lockthe sprocket onto the shaft. The cam on the shaft engages the wall ofthe wedge-shaped recess 417 to lock the sprocket 400 to the shaft 412,as shown in FIG. 33C. The cam and recess may have any suitable size,shape and configuration allowing for an interference fit. In anotherembodiment, an auxiliary component for a conveyor may be mounted to aconveyor frame component, such as a shaft, by clamping the auxiliarycomponent through a through-hole in the shaft. As shown in FIG. 34, atoolbar shaft 510 may include a through-hole 513. The auxiliarycomponent, shown as a position limiter 520, includes a stem 521configured to fit through the through-hole 513. The stem 521 includes afoot 522 or other feature that engages the underside of the shaft tolock the auxiliary component onto the shaft 510.

FIG. 35 shows another approach to mounting a conveyor auxiliarycomponent to a shaft using magnets to create a snap clamp. Theillustrative conveyor auxiliary component 620 includes a positionlimiter portion 625 that acts as a position limiter, clamp portion 622that surrounds the shaft 610, a foot portion 623 and a magnet 630. Theshaft 610 includes a magnet 631 to the magnet 630 for holding thecomponent 620 in place relative to the shaft 610.

FIG. 36 shows another approach to mounting a conveyor auxiliarycomponent to a conveyor frame. In the embodiment of FIG. 36, anauxiliary component, shown as a sprocket 700 mounted on or integrallyformed with a shaft portion 702, includes grooves 704 on end portionsfor mounting the component to a conveyor frame member 710. The conveyorframe member 710 includes flexible portions for snapping around theshaft 702.

As shown in FIG. 37, the shaft portion 802 of the auxiliary componentcan be round instead of square, or have any other suitable shape. Theauxiliary component 800 of FIG. 37 comprises a position limiter, thoughthe invention is not so limited. The shaft portion 802 includes groovesfor mounting to a conveyor frame member 810 by an interference fit withgrooves 804.

A snap clamp comprising a collar, a barbed tip and a protrusion on thebarbed tip may be used to mount any suitable component to a toolbarshaft having a channel for receiving the protrusion. For example, othersnap-on components that may be mounted to a toolbar, such as toolbars 10a, 10 b, include other conveyor auxiliary component, such as rollers attransition points from an incline to horizontal for guiding the belt.The guide rollers contact upper edges of the belt and may snap to atoolbar using a snap clamp or other locking device. Other examples ofcomponents in a conveyor that may be mounted using the snap clamp orother snap-on design include, but are not limited to snap onclean-in-place nozzles or clean-in-place sanitation rails, snap onconduit brackets, snap on hangers for standard “j” belt lifters, snap onproduct chutes, snap on diverting arms, snap on photo-eyes, snap oncovers, snap on drip pans, snap on cutting boards, and otherscomponents.

In addition, the illustrative snap-on design may be used to configure awide conveyor.

Furthermore, alternatives to a snap clamp may be used to mount anysuitable auxiliary conveyor component to a conveyor frame member.

The use of lock-in-place components for a conveyor frame, particularlythe illustrative snap-clamp design, ensures a secure connection withminimal rotation of the component about the toolbar and no axialmovement, if desired. The components are easy to deploy, reconfigurable,reusable, resulting in a sanitary, versatile conveyor.

As shown in FIG. 38, the conveyor frame 2′ may include sanitary wheels140 for portability.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificversions, other versions are possible. The scope of the invention is notmeant to be limited to the exemplary versions described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor frame, comprising: a firstlongitudinally-extending toolbar extending from a first end to a secondend; a plurality of brackets connected to the firstlongitudinally-extending toolbar; support structure for the toolbar; andan auxiliary component mounted to the first longitudinally-extendingtoolbar using a snap clamp.
 2. The conveyor frame of claim 1, furthercomprising a second longitudinally-extending toolbar parallel to thefirst longitudinally-extending toolbar, with the plurality of bracketsextending between the first and second longitudinally-extendingtoolbars.
 3. The conveyor frame of claim 1, wherein the firstlongitudinally-extending toolbar includes a channel on an outer surface.4. The conveyor frame of claim 3, wherein the snap clamp comprises bodyhaving a pair of legs, a first leg having a tapered tip having aprotrusion extending inwards for engaging the channel.
 5. The conveyorframe of claim 4, further comprising a tab extending between a radiallyinner surface of the first leg and the protrusion.
 6. The conveyor frameof claim 5, wherein the first longitudinally-extending toolbar includesan axial notch for engaging the tab.
 7. The conveyor frame of claim 1,further comprising a laterally-extending toolbar inserted in a bracketand an auxiliary component mounted to the laterally-extending toolbarusing a snap clamp.
 8. The conveyor frame of claim 1, wherein the snapclamp comprises an opening including opposing protrusions having slopedfaces, wherein the opening flexes to allow insertion of the firsttoolbar.
 9. The conveyor frame of claim 1, wherein the toolbar includesa cam protrusion and the snap clamp comprises an opening and awedge-shaped recess adjacent the opening for engaging the camprotrusion.
 10. The conveyor frame of claim 1, wherein snap clampcomprises a stem and foot extending from the stem and the toolbarincludes a through hole for receiving the stem and foot.
 11. Theconveyor frame of claim 1, wherein the snap clamp comprises a firstmagnet and the first toolbar comprises a second magnet attracted to thefirst magnet.
 12. A conveyor frame, comprising: a first toolbarcomprising a shaft and a channel extending longitudinally along at leasta portion of the shaft perimeter; an auxiliary component mounted to thetoolbar using a snap clamp, the snap clamp comprising a collar having aninner surface, a first tip and a second tip, the second tip including aprotrusion configured to mate with the channel.
 13. The conveyor frameof claim 12, wherein the second tip further includes a tab extendingbetween the inner surface and the protrusion and the first toolbarincludes an axial notch for receiving the tab.
 14. The conveyor frame ofclaim 12, wherein the inner surface has a smaller radius of curvaturethan the outer surface of the first toolbar in a relaxed state andstretches to match the radius of curvature of the toolbar in a stretchedstate to mount the collar to the first toolbar.
 15. The conveyor frameof claim 12, wherein the inner surface has a larger radius of curvaturethan the outer surface of the first toolbar in a relaxed state andcompresses to match the radius of curvature of the toolbar in astretched state to mount the collar to the first toolbar.
 16. Theconveyor frame of claim 12, further comprising a connector extendingbetween the auxiliary component and the snap clamp.
 17. The conveyorframe of claim 12, wherein the auxiliary component comprises one of asprocket, an infeed shoe, a wearstrip, a wearstrip lock, a returnwayroller, a sidewall, a containment block, a side guard, and a positionlimiter.
 18. A snap clamp for mounting a component to a shaft,comprising a curved body having a first leg and a second leg, the secondleg terminating in a tapered tip; and a protrusion extending inwardsfrom the tapered tip.
 19. The snap clamp of claim 18, further comprisingan axial tab extending between the protrusion and an inner surface ofthe curved body.
 20. The snap clamp of claim 18, wherein the curved bodyis flexible.